CURRENT CAMPAIGN

SOCIAL WORK CODE OF ETHICS CURRICULUM GUIDE

Why is there a need for reform of the current NASW Code of Ethics?

Social workers are indoctrinated with the NASW Code of Ethics in their social work education and training as mandated by CSWE educational policies and standards. In most states, they must graduate from an accredited institution to be eligible for state licensure. 

• The original NASW Code of Ethics was created in 1960; it has been revised often since, the last time in 2021.

• The Social Worker Equity Campaign was created in 2021 to reform our Code to correspond to include an equal concern for social workers themselves. SWEC was unsuccessful in its reform efforts.  We are not done fighting! We will campaign again at the next Delegate Assembly in 2026!

• The upholders of the present Code believe Codes of Ethics should only be outward-focusing on clients. SWEC members believe social workers cannot act on these values with clients if they do not have the same principles such as dignity and well-being applied to themselves in their work as well.

The Code is an important professional guiding document. The ideals of equity and justice must extend to social workers, not just to the clients or communities!

COMING SOON, a presentation and curriculum guide of the comparison between the NASW Code of Ethics and the SWEC proposed revisions.